Terms of Service

1. Privacy Notice

Any personal information or material sent to this Site is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our Privacy Policy. We encourage you to read and refer to it before you submit any personal information to this Site. The Privacy Policy is a part of these terms and conditions.

2. Accuracy, completeness and timeliness of information

While we use all reasonable attempts to ensure the accuracy and completeness of information on this Site, we are not responsible if the information that we make available on this Site is not accurate or complete. Any reliance upon the material on this Site shall be at your own risk. You agree that it is your responsibility to monitor any changes to the material and the information contained on this Site.

3. Submissions to this Site

Any non-personal communication or material you submit to this Site by electronic mail, upload, or otherwise, including any data, questions, comments, suggestions or the like ("Submissions") are, and will be treated as, non-confidential and non-proprietary. Anything you submit or post becomes the property of Buddy and Buddy may use and reproduce such Submission freely, and for any purpose. Specifically, Buddy is free to use for any purposes whatsoever (including but not limited to the developing, manufacturing, advertising and marketing of products) any ideas, artwork, inventions, developments, suggestions or concepts contained in any Submission you send to this Site. Any such use is without compensation to the party submitting information. By making a Submission, you are also warranting that you own the material/content submitted, that it is not defamatory, and that Buddy's use will not violate any third party's rights or otherwise place us in breach of any applicable laws. Buddy is under no obligation to use the information submitted.

4. Intellectual Property Rights

All copyright, trademarks and other intellectual property rights in all text, images and other materials on this Site are the property of Buddy or are property of their respective owners.

keep intact all copyright and other proprietary notices and that the trademark notice below appears on such reproductions. No reproduction of any part of this Site may be sold or distributed for commercial gain nor shall it be modified or incorporated in any other work, publication, website, or mobile app.

® Reg. Buddy trademarks are property of Buddy Pet Services, Inc. All rights reserved.

The trademarks, logos, characters and service marks (collectively "Trademarks") displayed on this Site belong to Buddy Pet Services, Inc. which licenses such use to Buddy. Nothing contained on this Site should be construed as granting any license or right to use any Trademark displayed on this Site. Your use/misuse of the Trademarks displayed on this Site, or on any other content on this Site, except as provided for in these Terms and Conditions, is strictly prohibited. You are also advised that Buddy will vigorously enforce its intellectual property rights to the fullest extent of the law.

5. Links to Other Websites

Links on the Buddy Sites may take you outside the Buddy network and systems and Buddy accepts no responsibility for the content, accuracy or function of these other third-party websites or mobile apps. The links are provided in good faith, and Buddy cannot be held responsible for any subsequent change in other third-party websites or mobile apps to which we provide a link. The inclusion of any link to other websites or mobile apps does not imply endorsement by Buddy. We highly recommend that you make yourself aware of and carefully read the legal and privacy notices of all other websites or mobile apps that you visit.

6. Warranties and Disclaimers

Your use of this Site is at your own and exclusive risk.

Warranties

THIS SITE IS PROVIDED TO YOU ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS AND, CONSEQUENTLY, BUDDY MAKES NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS THAT MATERIAL ON THIS SITE WILL BE COMPLETE, ACCURATE, RELIABLE, TIMELY, NON-INFRINGING TO THIRD PARTIES, THAT ACCESS TO THIS SITE WILL BE UN-INTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE OR FREE FROM VIRUSES, THAT THIS SITE WILL BE SECURE, THAT ANY ADVICE OR OPINION OBTAINED FROM BUDDY THROUGH THIS SITE IS ACCURATE OR TO BE RELIED UPON. ANY REPRESENTATIONS TO THE CONTRARY OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR SATISFACTORY QUALITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE).

Please note that some jurisdictions may not allow exclusions of implied warranties, so some of these exclusions may not apply to you. Please check your local laws.

We reserve the right to restrict, suspend or terminate without notice your access to this Site or any feature of this Site or any feature or part thereof at any time.

7. Veterinary Advice, Pet Health, Fitness, and Nutrition Disclaimer

Veterinary Advice & AI Disclaimer

The Site is an AI-driven platform designed to provide informational and educational content related to pet health, behavior, nutrition, fitness, and medical guidance. This is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian or other veterinary professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing a pet's health or fitness problem or disease. You should always consult your own veterinarian and/or veterinary advisors.

- No Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR): Use of this Site does not establish a formal Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) as defined by applicable laws and veterinary licensing boards.

- Not a Medical Site: The AI-generated responses may include general pet care suggestions, possible diagnoses, or treatment recommendations, but they do not constitute medical, emergency, or veterinary telehealth Sites. Always seek the advice of a licensed veterinarian for professional evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment of your pet.

- Medical Emergencies: In case of a medical emergency, do not rely on this Site. Instead, immediately contact a licensed veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital.

- Data Collection & Privacy: By using the Site, you acknowledge that your interactions, including any health-related information about your pet, may be collected, stored, and processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We do not guarantee the confidentiality of any information submitted.

Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using this Site, you acknowledge and agree that:

A. The AI-driven responses are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional veterinary care.

B. You assume full responsibility for any decisions made based on the information provided.

C. You will not hold Buddy Pet Sites, Inc. liable for any harm, loss, or damages resulting from reliance on AI-generated recommendations.

D. You consent to the collection and processing of data related to your pet's health as outlined in the Privacy Policy.

If you do not agree to these terms, do not use the Site.

Privacy & Data Collection Policy

1. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of data:

- Personal Information: Name, email address, phone number (if provided).

- Pet Information: Pet's name, species, breed, age, weight, medical history, symptoms, medications, diet, and any other details submitted by the user.

- Usage Data: Log files, interactions with the Site, timestamps, IP address, device type, browser type, and referral source.

- Health-Related Information: Any medical conditions, symptoms, or treatment-related queries provided by users regarding their pets.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected data to:

- Provide informational and educational content based on user queries.

- Improve AI accuracy and response quality through machine learning algorithms.

- Enhance user experience by analyzing usage patterns and optimizing responses.

- Maintain internal analytics and ensure system security.

- Comply with legal obligations where applicable.

3. Data Storage & Security

- We implement industry-standard encryption and security measures to protect your data.

- User data may be stored on secure servers in [Specify Hosting Location: e.g., U.S./EU-based data centers].

- Despite security measures, no system is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection against unauthorized access.

4. Data Retention Policy

- Personal and pet-related data will be retained only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy.

- Users may request data deletion at any time.

5. Third-Party Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell or share user data with third parties for advertising purposes. However, we may disclose information in the following cases:

- Legal Compliance: If required by law, court order, or government request.

- Site Providers: To trusted third-party vendors who assist in platform operation, security, and maintenance.

- Research & Analytics: Non-identifiable, anonymized data may be used for improving AI performance.

6. Your Rights & Control Over Your Data

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:

- Access your data: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

- Correct inaccuracies: Update or amend incorrect or incomplete information.

- Request deletion: Ask for the removal of your personal and pet-related data from our system.

- Opt-out of data collection: Restrict the use of your data for analytics or improvements.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [Insert Contact Email].

7. Children's Privacy

The Site is not intended for use by children under 18 years old. If we discover that a minor has submitted personal data, we will delete it promptly.

8. Updates to This Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated 'Last Modified' date.

8. Limitation of Liability

Buddy and/or any other party involved in the creating, producing or delivering this Site on our behalf shall have no liability or any responsibility whatsoever for any direct, incidental, consequential, indirect, special or punitive damages, costs, losses or liabilities whatsoever and howsoever arising out of your access to, use, inability to use, change in content of this Site or arising from any other website or mobile app you access through a link from this Site or to the extent permitted by applicable law, from any actions we take or fail to take as a result of any electronic mail messages you send us.

Buddy and/or any other party involved in the creating, producing or delivering this Site shall have no responsibility to maintain the material and services made available on this Site or to supply any corrections, updates, or releases in connection therewith. Any material on this Site is subject to change without notice.

Further, Buddy shall have no liability or any responsibility whatsoever for any loss suffered caused by viruses that may infect your computer equipment or other property by reason of your use of, access to or downloading of any material from this Site. If you choose to download material from this Site you do so at your own risk.

Although Buddy may from time to time monitor or review discussions, chats, postings, transmissions, bulletin boards, and the like on the Site, Buddy is under no obligation to do so and assumes no responsibility or liability whatsoever arising from the content of any such locations including but not limited to any error, defamation, libel, slander, omission, falsehood, obscenity, pornography, profanity, danger or inaccuracy contained in any information within such locations on the Site.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, you expressly waive all claims against Buddy, its officers, directors, employees, suppliers and programmers that may arise from your use or access of this Site.

9. Prohibited Activities

You are prohibited from doing any act that Buddy in its absolute discretion may deem to be inappropriate and/or would be deemed to be an unlawful act or is prohibited by any laws applicable to this Site including but not limited to:

Any act that would constitute a breach of either the privacy (including uploading private information without the concerned individual's consent) or any other of the legal rights of individuals;

Using this Site to defame or libel Buddy, its employees or other individuals or acting in such a way that brings into disrepute the good name of Buddy;

Uploading files that contain viruses that may cause damage to the property of Buddy or the property of other individuals; and

Posting or transmitting to this Site any non-authorized material including but not limited to material that is in our opinion likely to cause annoyance, detrimental to or in violation of Buddy's or any third party´s systems or network security, libelous, defamatory, racist, obscene, threatening, pornographic, profane or is otherwise unlawful.

10. Export Restrictions

Software from this Site may be further subject to United States Export laws, rules and regulations, as amended from time to time. No software from this Site may be downloaded or exported (i) into (or to a national or resident of) Cuba, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Iran, Syria, Sudan or any other country to which the United States has embargoed goods; or (ii) anyone on the United States Treasury Department's list of Specially Designated Nationals or the U.S. Commerce Department's Table of Deny Orders. By downloading or using the software, you represent and warrant that you are not located in, under the control of, or a national or resident of any such country or on any such list.

11. Mobile Services

If Buddy permits or makes available to you the ability to: (a) upload content to the Site via your mobile telephone and/or tablet ("mobile device"), (b) receive and reply to messages, or to access or make posts using text messaging, (c) browse the site from your mobile device or (d) to access features through a mobile application you have downloaded and installed on your mobile device (collectively "Mobile Services"), your mobile carrier's standard data, Internet, messaging and other service fees and charges apply to your use of, and access to, the Mobile Services, and you are solely responsible for all such fees and charges. The Mobile Services may not be compatible with all mobile devices, carriers, and services, and Buddy does not make any representations or warranties regarding such compatibility. You are solely responsible for ensuring that your mobile device is compatible with the type of content being provided through the Mobile Services. You understand that content delivered as part of the Mobile Services may be delivered to your device through premium mobile services and acknowledge that you are solely and exclusively responsible for any charges for such services, including but not limited to any roaming charges.

You may be given the option to register to receive commercial messages from Buddy via your mobile device. You understand that you may be charged by your wireless service provider in connection with the receipt of such messages. You may "opt out" of receiving future messages by following the instructions provided (i) in the wireless messages or (ii) on the website or mobile app where you registered to receive such messages.

12. Dispute Resolution

Please read this section carefully. It affects your legal rights, including your right to file a lawsuit in court. For purposes of this Section 12 (Dispute Resolution), "Buddy" shall include its subsidiaries, affiliates, agents, employees, predecessors in interest, successors and assigns.

THIS SECTION LIMITS CERTAIN RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO MAINTAIN A COURT ACTION, THE RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL, THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY FORM OF CLASS, COLLECTIVE, OR REPRESENTATIVE CLAIM OR ACTION, THE RIGHT TO ENGAGE IN DISCOVERY EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THE AAA RULES, AND THE RIGHT TO CERTAIN REMEDIES AND FORMS OF RELIEF. OTHER RIGHTS THAT YOU OR BUDDY WOULD HAVE IN COURT, SUCH AS APPELLATE REVIEW, ALSO MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN ARBITRATION.

If you and Buddy have a Dispute (defined below) and our customer service team is unable to resolve your concern, you and Buddy agree to make a good faith effort to resolve it informally prior to initiating a formal arbitration proceeding. If you intend to initiate an arbitration proceeding, you must first send a verified Notice to Buddy that describes the Dispute. The Notice must include your name and contact information (address, telephone number, and email address), sufficient information to enable Buddy to identify any transaction at issue; and a detailed description of (1) the Dispute, (2) the nature and basis of your claims, and (3) the nature and basis of the relief sought, with a detailed calculation. The Notice shall be sent by email to: Dispute Resolution atlegal@getbuddy.com. You must personally sign the Notice. If requested by Buddy, you must personally appear at and participate in a telephone settlement conference (if you are represented by counsel, your counsel may also participate) to discuss the Dispute. If the Dispute is not resolved within sixty (60) days after receipt of the Notice (which period can be extended by agreement of the parties), you or Buddy may commence a formal dispute resolution proceeding consistent with the process set forth below. Compliance with and completing this informal dispute resolution process is a condition precedent to filing any formal dispute resolution proceeding, including a demand for arbitration. The statute of limitations and any filing fee deadlines shall be tolled while the parties engage in this informal dispute resolution process. If you commence an arbitration without providing Notice and completing the informal dispute resolution process, you will be responsible for any filing fees or other costs incurred in connection with such arbitration. If the sufficiency of a Notice or compliance with this informal dispute resolution process is at issue, it may be decided by a court at either party's election, and any formal dispute resolution proceeding shall be stayed pending resolution of the issue. A court shall have the authority to enforce this condition precedent to arbitration, which includes the power to enjoin the filing or prosecution of a demand for arbitration.

If we are unable to resolve the Dispute through the mandatory informal dispute resolution process, you unconditionally agree that, except as set forth below, all claims, controversies, or disputes between you and Buddy will be resolved entirely through binding individual arbitration, rather than in court, including, without limitation, such claims, controversies, or disputes arising out of or relating to any aspect of the relationship between you and Buddy, your access or use of our Site or any products or services offered by or purchased from Buddy, whether based in contract, tort, statute, fraud, misrepresentation, or any other legal theory ("Dispute"). Dispute will be given the broadest possible meaning permitted by law. It includes claims that arose before this or any prior agreement or that arise after the termination of this agreement. The sole exceptions to the foregoing requirement to arbitrate are that: (1) either party may assert individual claims in small claims court if those claims otherwise qualify for small claims court and as long as the matter remains in such court and is not removed or appealed to a court of general jurisdiction and advances only on an individual (non-class, non-representative basis); and (2) each party may bring suit in court to enjoin infringement or other misuse of intellectual property rights. This Dispute Resolution section evidences a transaction in interstate commerce, and thus the Federal Arbitration Act governs the interpretation and enforcement of this Dispute Resolution section. This arbitration provision shall survive termination of this agreement. BY AGREEING TO THESE TERMS, YOU GIVE UP YOUR RIGHT TO BRING AND PROSECUTE ANY DISPUTES WITH BUDDY IN A COURT OF LAW OR BEFORE A JURY. YOU ALSO GIVE UP YOUR RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN OR BRING CLASS ACTIONS OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTIONS.

There is no judge or jury in arbitration, no class actions, and court review of an arbitration award is limited. An arbitrator, however, can award on an individual basis the same damages and relief as a court, in favor or against only the parties to the arbitration and only to the extent necessary to provide the relief warranted by the party's individual claim, including injunctive and declaratory relief or statutory damages. The arbitrator may not award relief to any person or entity other than a party to the arbitration proceeding. The arbitrator must follow these Terms as a court would. The arbitrator may not consider any prior settlement offers in making the decision. Regardless of the manner in which the arbitration is conducted, the arbitrator shall issue a reasoned written decision sufficient to explain the essential findings and conclusions on which the award is based. The arbitration award shall be binding only among the parties to the arbitration and shall have no preclusive effect in any other arbitration or other proceeding involving a different party, provided that the arbitrator may consider rulings in other arbitrations involving different individuals.

We agree that the arbitration will be administered by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA"), adr.org. (If the AAA is unavailable or unwilling to administer arbitrations consistent with this Dispute Resolution section, another arbitration provider shall be selected by the parties that will administer arbitrations consistent with this Dispute Resolution section. If the parties cannot agree on a provider, one shall be selected by the court that will administer arbitrations consistent with this Dispute Resolution section.). To begin an arbitration proceeding, after satisfying the condition precedent identified above, you must (1) send a verified and personally signed demand for arbitration that describes (a) the nature and basis of your claims, and (b) the nature and basis of the relief sought, including a detailed calculation to: Dispute Resolution at legal@getbuddy.com, and (2) contact the AAA and follow the appropriate procedures with the AAA to commence the arbitration. The AAA consumer rules for arbitration will apply as modified by this Dispute Resolution section. Except as expressly provided in this Dispute Resolution section, the arbitrator, and not any federal, state, or local court or agency, shall have the exclusive authority to resolve any Dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, or formation of this Dispute Resolution section including, but not limited to, a claim that all or any part of it is void or voidable. Payment of all filing, administration and arbitrator fees will be governed by the AAA's applicable consumer rules. The parties shall be responsible for their own attorneys' fees and costs in arbitration, unless they are authorized by law, or the arbitrator determines that a claim was frivolous or brought for an improper purpose or in bad faith. In addition, the provisions of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 68 shall apply and be enforced by the arbitrator. The arbitration may be conducted by telephone, based on written submissions, or in person in the county where you live or at another mutually agreed location as set forth in the AAA rules. If requested, you shall personally appear (with your counsel if you have one) at an initial telephone conference with a case manager before an arbitrator is appointed. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, Buddy will pay all fees and costs that we are required by law to pay.

AS SET FORTH ABOVE, WE EACH AGREE TO BRING ANY DISPUTE ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS ONLY, AND NOT ON A CLASS, CONSOLIDATED, REPRESENTATIVE OR COLLECTIVE OR PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL BASIS. IF FOR ANY REASON A CLAIM PROCEEDS IN COURT RATHER THAN IN ARBITRATION, WE EACH WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL OR TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION AGAINST THE OTHER TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. A Dispute may not be consolidated with a claim by any person or entity that is not a party to the arbitration proceeding, and the arbitrator may not otherwise preside over any form of a class, consolidated, representative, collective, or private attorney general proceeding. If a court determines that any of the prohibitions on non-individualized relief; class, representative, and private attorney general claims; and consolidation are unenforceable with respect to a particular claim or with respect to a particular request for relief (such as a request for injunctive relief), and all appeals from that decision have been exhausted (or the decision is otherwise final), then the parties agree that that particular claim or request for relief may proceed in court but shall be stayed pending arbitration of the remaining claims. Specifically, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section [12] (Dispute Resolution), the arbitrator may not issue a "public injunction" and any such "public injunction," if permitted, may be awarded only by a federal or state court. If either party is permitted to seek a "public injunction," all other claims and prayers for relief must be adjudicated in arbitration first and any such prayer or claim for a "public injunction" in federal or state court stayed until the arbitration is completed, after which the federal or state court can adjudicate the party's claim or prayer for "public injunctive relief." In doing so, the federal or state court is bound under principles of claim or issue preclusion by the decision of the arbitrator.

Special Additional Procedures for Mass Arbitration: If twenty-five (25) or more similar claims are asserted against Buddy by the same or coordinated counsel or are otherwise coordinated, you understand and agree that the resolution of your Dispute might be delayed. You also agree to the following coordinated bellwether process and application of the AAA Multiple Consumer Case Filing Fee Schedule. Counsel for the claimants and counsel for Buddy shall each select ten (10) cases (per side) to proceed first in individual arbitration proceedings as part of a bellwether process. The remaining cases shall not be filed or deemed filed in arbitration nor shall any AAA fees be assessed in connection with those cases until they are selected to proceed to individual arbitration proceedings as part of a bellwether process. If the parties are unable to resolve the remaining cases after the conclusion of the initial twenty (20) proceedings, each side shall select another ten (10) cases (per side) to proceed to individual arbitration proceedings as part of a second bellwether process. The remaining cases shall not be filed or deemed filed in arbitration nor shall any AAA fees be assessed in connection with those cases until they are selected to proceed to individual arbitration proceedings as part of a bellwether process. A single arbitrator shall preside over each case. Only one case may be assigned to each arbitrator as part of a bellwether process unless the parties agree otherwise. This staged process shall continue, consistent with the parameters identified above, until all the claims included in these coordinated filings, including your case, are adjudicated or otherwise resolved. The statute of limitations and any filing fee deadlines shall be tolled for claims subject to this Dispute Resolution section from the time of the first cases are selected for a bellwether process until the time your case is selected for a bellwether process, withdrawn, or otherwise resolved. A court shall have authority to enforce this paragraph and, if necessary, to enjoin the mass filing or prosecution of arbitration demands against Buddy.

Future Changes to Dispute Resolution Section: Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, we agree that if Buddy makes any future changes to this Dispute Resolution section (other than a change to the mailing or email address), you may reject any such change by sending us written notice within thirty (30) days of the change to the address provided above. This is not an opt-out of arbitration altogether. By rejecting any future change, you are agreeing that you will arbitrate any dispute between us in accordance with the language of this Dispute Resolution section.

13. Applicable Law and Venue

The Buddy products, services, materials, offers and information appearing on this site are intended for users and/or customers in the United States of America only. Buddy makes no representation that the products, services, and content of this Site are appropriate or available in locations other than the United States of America. The products appearing in this Site are only visual representations and as such are not in their real size, etc.

The law applicable to the interpretation and construction of these Terms and any transaction (including purchases made on our Site), shall be the Federal Arbitration Act, applicable federal laws, and the laws of the State of Missouri, USA, without regard to principles of conflict of laws, but subject to the Federal Arbitration Act and other federal law relating to the arbitrability of claims. You agree that all matters relating to your access to or use of the Site, including all disputes, will be governed by the laws of the United States and by the laws of the State of Missouri.

Any action relating to the use of the Site or any transaction with Buddy must be brought in the state or federal courts located in St. Louis, Missouri, for any lawsuit or court proceeding permitted under these Terms. You consent and submit to the personal jurisdiction of such courts for the purposes of any such action.

14. Legal notice update

We reserve the right to make any changes and corrections to this notice. Please refer to this page from time to time to review these and new additional information.